Champion colt Sea The Stars was expected to face his sternest test to date in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday but the son of Cape Cross turned the Group 1 into a procession.

Sea The Stars was racing on ground softer than ideal and was stacked up against the Ballydoyle brigade, however, the race was over as a contest when he overhauled G1 Irish Derby winner Fame and Glory (Montjeu) at the furlong.

“Mick (Kinane) pushed him out a bit and he actually won by more than a length for a change,” trainer John Oxx said.  “He’s heavier now than at any stage of his career and is really thriving.”

Sea the Stars’ participation in the Irish Champion was not confirmed until Oxx walked the course to ensure it had dried out sufficiently.  “We’d have been disappointed to miss the race but at the end of the day, it was an easy decision to run,” he said.  “He was just in great form and has a constitution like no other.”

The Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October is on the agenda for Sea the Stars, provided the ground is suitable.

“We’d have to look at the Arc first and if he didn’t run in that, he’d finish up in either the Champion Stakes (G1) at Newmarket or the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).  He’s one of the these landmark horses that come along every 25-30 years and people will always remember him.”